Archive for August, 2013

Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) agent Jon Shimer recently attended the fifth annual Greenwood Lake Air Show in West Milford, New Jersey. Shimer was one of nearly 21,000 attendees, the highest attendance ever for the three-day event. The previous record for the Greenwood Lake Air Show was roughly 17,000, back when the event was only a two-day affair.

“The show definitely topped those in years past,” said Greenwood Lake Airport manager Tim Wagner. “We had such a variety [and] all of the performers were so interactive with the attendees. We had so much stuff on the ground too. It was just tremendous.”

The Alabama Boys include Fred Masterson as Uncle Fred, Walter Harvey as Grandpa, and Jason Hankins as Instructor Bob, with AIR agent Jon Shimer doing the narration.

“He (Koontz) invited me to help be a “Grunt” after the Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, Sentimental Journey Piper Cub Fly-In Show,” explained Jon. “I have been announcing as Forrest Cleaver when Greg does the flying farmer act in the Piper Cub and lands on the truck.”

Jon was in Oshkosh, Wisconsin for EAA Airventure, the Grand Daddy of Airshows, and then the Greenwood Lake Airshow in West Milford, New Jersey. His next appearance is in Memphis, Tennessee September 26-30.

Greg Koontz Alabama Boys Airshow Comedy Routine

Greg Koontz’s Alabama Boys Comedy Team has already signed up to return to the Greenwood Lake Air Show in 2014.

Another year has come and gone and another successful EAA AirVenture is in the books. More than 500,000 attendees and more than 10,000 aircraft from more than 60 countries flocked to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to gaze upon the 2,341 show planes, visit the record 821 commercial exhibitors, and enjoy the numerous shows.

“People come to Oshkosh for their own individual reasons, and there was a nearly unlimited supply of unique experiences throughout the grounds,” said EAA Chairman Jack Pelton. “We also received reports that many exhibitors had record sales, showing renewed optimism and enthusiasm in the aviation community.”

As one of those exhibitors, we can assure you that we had a great time in Oshkosh!

“This year’s Oshkosh had the best weather ever,” said Chris Wolbert, Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) vice president. “It was great to get out and view the latest products and services available.”

The AIR crew even got to sit down and reminisce with Herbie from Herbie’s Acee Deucee Bar, a historic neighbor bar in Oshkosh now in its 3rd generation of ownership. Acee Deucee has hosted Jimmy Leeward, Danny Clisham and the other Airshow performers for over 30 years.

Herbie recalled the first time he met Jimmy. The performer called down at 1 am for some pizza and drinks to be sent up to the Pioneer Inn. Everything else in town was closed, but Herbie hooked Jimmy up with some pizza and beverages. The following year, Jimmy and the other Airshow performers started coming to the Acee Duecee. Herbie would keep the bar open for them every night during EAA AirVenture.

A legend was born.

And that was just the beginning or AIR’s adventures in Oshkosh. AIR regional manager Jon Shimer had the opportunity to perform with Greg Koontz, who has been performing in airshows since 1974.

“I was privileged to perform in the comedy routine with Greg Koontz on Thursday,” recalled Jon.

It gets harder and harder to leave Oshkosh every year. Now we have to wait almost an entire year for EAA AirVenture 2014. We can’t wait!

“There are some big aviation anniversaries next year, including the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I and the 75th anniversary of the jet engine,” said Pelton. “In addition, volunteers will build an airplane in seven days with the ‘One-Week Wonder’ project in which attendees can participate. And, of course, there will be plenty of additions for activities that can happen only at Oshkosh.”

You already know that Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR) offers a wide range of aircraft insurance options for aircraft of all makes and models, from Cessna Aircraft, Beechcraft, and Cirrus Aircraft to Robinson Helicopters, Piper Cubs, and Corporate Aircraft. But did you also know we are aviation enthusiasts ourselves? The AIR family enjoys getting out there and soaring the open skies. Sometimes we even bring our favorite four-legged friends along for the ride!

AIR’s own Victoria Neuville has been seen flying on several occasions with her spaniel mix, Turbo, and pet hedgehog, Quillson. Below are Victoria’s accounts of two of those flights.

Turbo’s Big Day

“The flight started out of Frederick around 12:30,” remembered Victoria. “We had a 38 knot direct headwind most of the way. Crossing over the mountains we could see lenticular clouds to our west and experienced many updrafts and it became quite choppy. It was clear most of the flight until we encountered some snow about 20 miles out from our destination. We were quickly through it, however, and landed at Braxton County Airport (48I) in West Virginia.”

It was at this airport that Victoria first laid eyes on her new puppy. Victoria was greeted by two male puppies, one brown and one white, from Dustin’s Angels pet rescue. As Victoria remembers, the people from Dustin’s Angels thought it was “so cool” that one of their puppies was being rescued by plane.

After picking her puppy, a dog that would soon be named Turbo, and signing the contract it was time to take some photos and head back to Turbo’s new home.

“My first intention when adopting a puppy was to slowly get them used to the aircraft, but to avoid a 3 1/2 hour drive, the flight was worth it,” explained Victoria. “As it turns out, Turbo did fantastic. He perked up and looked around when the plane started but slept a majority of the time.”

After several more flights with Turbo, Victoria designed her very own “Emergency Bag,” with everything she would need in case of an animal accident in the aircraft. To build your own emergency bag, read Victoria’s personal blog, “’Emergency Bags’ for Flying Fidos.”

A Hedgehog Takes Flight

During the weekend of Victoria’s Uncle Tom’s 60th birthday, the family took a quick, half hour flight to Smoketown, Pennsylvania. Uncle Tom and his family were insistent that Victoria bring her pet hedgehog, Quillson. Victoria agreed to bring her prickly pet along and, much to her surprise, Quillson really enjoyed flying.

“He did not roll up into a protective ball, he did not huff to scare the airplane away,” remembered Victoria. “In fact, he explored and enjoyed being out of the box and feeling the gentle vibrations of the plane.”

Both of Victoria’s pets have flown in Cessna and Glasair aircraft insured by AIR.